Calculating Current using Kirkoff's Rules

  • Thread starter Thread starter MasterVivi
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Current Rules
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around applying Kirchhoff's rules to a DC circuit to calculate the currents I1, I2, and I3. Participants are working through loop equations and junction rules while grappling with the implications of their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to set up loop equations based on Kirchhoff's rules and express relationships between the currents. There are questions about the correctness of their algebraic manipulations and the implications of negative current values.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide guidance on identifying current directions and correcting loop equations. There is ongoing exploration of the relationships between the currents, with multiple interpretations of the equations being discussed. The conversation reflects a collaborative effort to clarify misunderstandings and verify calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion regarding the application of Kirchhoff's rules, particularly in determining the direction of current flow and the validity of their equations. There is an acknowledgment of potential errors in their algebra and the need for careful verification of their results.

MasterVivi
Messages
10
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Apply the loop rule to two of the three loops to calculate I1,I2,and I3.

Picture of DC circuit involved
cVrkF.jpg


Homework Equations



V=IR

The Attempt at a Solution


L1=2v+2I2-4I1=0 (simplified)
and
L3=4-4I1-5I3=0

But if you work through the algebra you'd get
I2=1
which would then make
I1=1

which does not work for the junction rule of
I3=I1-I2 cause that is 0.

The rules still confuse me when look at some of the resistors on the right side I can tell which way current flows, obviously did it wrong though, any help would be appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Attachments

  • 10 13 12 2182.jpg
    10 13 12 2182.jpg
    60.3 KB · Views: 410
  • 10 13 12 3183.jpg
    10 13 12 3183.jpg
    55.5 KB · Views: 416
mastervivi said:

3. The Attempt at a Solution
loop 1 --> 2v+2[/color]i2-4i1=0 (simplified)


1Ω + 3Ω ≠ 2Ω
 
Okay, re-attempted using loop one and loop two, does, this seem more accurate?

L1=12V-I1(2)+I2(1)-10V+I2(3)-I1(1)=0
=>
L1=2V-4I1+4I2=0


L2=-3(I2)+10V-I2(1)-I3(1)-8V-I3(2)=0
=>
L2=2V-4I2-5I3=0
=>
L2=2-4I2-5(I1-I2)=0
=>
L2=2-4I2-5I1+5I2=0
=>
L2=2-5I1+I2=0

So from there
I2=5I1-2


Finally plugging it all through
I1=I2+(1/2)[From the first loop equation]
=>
I1=5I1-2+(1/2)
=>
I1=(3/8)

if that's true

I2=5(3/8)-2=(-1/8) [Is a negative current okay?]

and from there

I3=I1-I2=(3/8)-(-1/8)=1/2

The negative current for I2 feels wrong, did I mess up any of the loop equation or any algebra along the way?
 
For the second loop, it should be +5I2, not -5I2
As for there being a negative current, it just means it's flowing in the opposite direction from what you set it up as in the problem.
 
Okay, think I got it

You're right it should be +5I3 because it's with the current, just like I2 works out in the first loop equation

L1=2-4I1+4I2=0

Using this to solve for I1

I1=I2+(1/2)

Now I did this wrong, so going back through the derivation of this loop equation

L2=-3I2+10-I2+2I3+I3-8+2I3=0
=>
2-4I2+5I3=0
=>
2-4I2+5(I1-I2)=0
=>
L2=1+5I1-9I2=0


Using that to solve for I2

I2=(5/9)I1+(2/9)

Solving for the numerical value of I1
I1=((5/9)I1+(2/9))+(1/2)
=>
I1=(5/9)I1+(13/18)
=>
(4/9)I1=(13/18)
=>
I1=(13/8)


Solving for the numerical Value of I2

I2=(5/9)(13/8)+(2/9)
=>
I2=(9/8)


Which Finally implies

I3=I1-I2
=>
I3=(13/8)-(9/8)=(1/2)

Aye?Nay?
 
correct
quick note: you had I1=I2+1/2, so you could have easily figured out I3 right then and there. I3 = I1-I2 = I2+1/2-I2 = 1/2
 
frogjg2003 said:
correct
quick note: you had I1=I2+1/2, so you could have easily figured out I3 right then and there. I3 = I1-I2 = I2+1/2-I2 = 1/2

really?

MasterVivi said:
...
L2=1+5I1-9I2=0
...
I1=(13/8)
...
I2=(9/8)
Which Finally implies
I3=(13/8)-(9/8)=(1/2)
Aye?Nay?



L2=1+5I1-9I2=0
i1=13/8
i2=9/8
ergo:
1+5*(13/8)-9*(9/8)=0
8/8+65/8-81/8=0
73/8-81/8=0
-8/8=0
-1=0 ?

Don't all 4 equations have to come out correctly?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
4K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 31 ·
2
Replies
31
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K